2024-07-17
Start: 10:45 / Arrival: 18:30
Distance: 65km / Gained height 300 hm
Today it turned out slightly, that my plan of going to the east valley to get cooler temperatures didn’t work out. More on this later.
Started with visiting a nice temple I had already seen last year, then continued my way through the rice fields and silent streets to Yuli. While cycling there, it became clear – that I need a break from the heat every 10-20kms. Arrived at Dongli Cycling Station, took the very nice bicycle path there – but unfortunately there was some refurbishment a little bit later going on, so I had to take the street with cars (but nothing to worry about).
Short before Yuli I took a longer break, as it was already noon, had some ice. But again in Yuli (not thaaat far away) I took directly the next break, having a nice ice cold tea with fruit juice. It’s obvious, but those teas are really helpful in the heat. Took it slowly and visited the old postal bus and then carried on to Ruisui. Short before Dayu I had to take a wild gravel road to cross the 秀姑巒溪 river. Passed a fire that occured out of nowhere inbetween the wild plants, with no visible people around there…strange.
Suffering from the heat, every small ramp was now getting quite tiring. Only good thing was, that noon was over, heat going a little bit down – there where some hints of rain, but anyway – still way to hot.
Finally reached Ruisui, went to an organic farmers market, had an ice and checked out my flat. The landlord didn’t had seen my booking, but came over by accident, so I could finally go into a room with AC.
Then went to the station, hang around a little bit looking at those wild cats, having a drink…then went to a very nice restaurant I already had been the last time to, had great food and chilled out again at the station before going home. Finished the day with some beer in the heat on the balcony, watching the stray dogs below.
